dramatic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Sudden, striking or very large, so that it gets strong attention or stirs strong feeling.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after be: a dramatic change.

   Patterns

   • a dramatic change
   • dramatic increase in something

   There was a dramatic drop in temperature overnight.

   The rescue was dramatic and tense.

   The team made a dramatic comeback in the final minutes.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Of acting, plays and the theater.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: dramatic arts.

   Patterns

   • dramatic arts
   • dramatic literature

   She studied dramatic literature at college.

   The school has a strong dramatic society.

3. 3adjectivecomparableinformaldisapproving

   Showing feelings in an exaggerated way, as if acting.

   Grammar: Often after be; a bit critical: don't be so dramatic.

   Patterns

   • be dramatic about something

   Don't be so dramatic, it's only a small scratch.

   He is dramatic about everything.

Word forms

Common combinations

dramatic change

The city has seen dramatic change.

dramatic increase

There was a dramatic increase in prices.

dramatic effect

He paused for dramatic effect.

dramatic irony

The play depends on dramatic irony.

Synonyms and how they differ

striking

Emphasizes catching the eye without the tension of dramatic.

sudden

Only about speed of change.

theatrical

Often implies showiness or artificial behavior.

Opposites

Word family

drama noun

a play or exciting events

dramatically adverb

in a striking way

dramatize verb

to turn into a play or exaggerate

Commonly confused: dramatic or drastic?

Practice

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